Plate prices may be set to rise following an increase in the cost of aluminium and CTP customers, although promised falling plate prices by some vendors, are unlikely to see them in the short-term as demand outstrips supply.

Conventional plate prices are dictated by the cost of aluminium, said Agfa Graphic Systems UK director Laurence Roberts. Aluminium prices are increasing and are traded in dollars, while the pound is weakening. However the strength of the pound has led to an acknowledged market for grey import plates from the Continent.
Some countries in continental Europe have already seen a rise in prices due to the high price of aluminium according to Agfa and Kodak Polychrome Graphics (KPG).

However, the situation in the UK is less clear cut. Vendors are claiming that they intend to keep prices at agreed levels until contracts come up for renewal.

KPG marketing manager Pat Holloway dismissed potential for UK price rises from the firm, stating: Its not a major issue in the UK at the moment.

His feelings were echoed by Fuji project manager, CTP Steve Cookman who said: Its a complete surprise to me that prices will increase. We would only undertake price rises very reluctantly.
On the issue of CTP plate supply, it looks like the promised price cuts, which some in the industry claim will see thermal plates reach parity with conventional UV plates, are flawed, at least in the short-term.

Agfas Roberts stated: We could sell three times the volume of thermal plates if we wanted to.

The firm, which has been heavily pushing visible and especially violet diode CTP, has also yet to sell its 830nm Thermostar plate in the UK, largely because it has no 830nm engines installed.
Roberts claimed that, as the Thermostar and Lithostar plates are made on the same line, concentrating on supplying its customers with Lithostar plates. Just because the volume of CTP is rising doesnt mean prices will fall. Cost of manufacture, cost of aluminium and supply and demand all affect price we are selling all we can. His warning echoed that of Litho Supplies joint managing director Gerry Mulvaney (PrintWeek, 26 May).
Story by Barney Cox